Gai Mattiolo Uomo (1998)
by Gai Mattiolo

While being one that loves light, aquatic scents... this one leaves me scratching my head. Clean and watery indeed it is but for me it's so watered down that the only thing I can think of to use this for is bed sheet refreshener. I have Febreeze for that which also softens the fabric.

" Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink "

Well, here's a pleasant surprise!
Both for The Ancient Mariner, and for all of us that have fallen asleep at the million and one aqua snoozefests that have infected most fragrance counters at department stores for the last 20 years.

An aqua scent that is both refreshing and complex? Wow! Citrus, aqua, and woods blended and balanced? Who'd have thunk it possible?

If you want a light and relaxing, yet unique summer scent that will stand out from the crowd look no further.

Very light. Very refreshing. Gai Mattiolo does remind me of L’Eau Par Kenzo—GM is a little cleaner, a bit spicier, and maybe a little sparser—less abundant. It begins with a light citrus / bergamot accord that provides a definite hit of hedione. This opening is clean, refreshing, and bright, but nothing special. “Special” comes later. The citrus holds for a very long time and then moves to an aquatic / floral middle level. But also present with the aquatic / floral mid notes is the wood / musk base—this middle and base accord is totally enticing: This is the dryer sheet accord that has been mentioned. I totally agree with that description. The aquatics, the bit of green, the woods, the excellent florals, and the musk are all formed into this skin hugging fragrance that lasts far longer than it seems possible for something so light and clean. This fragrance should get a lot more press than it does. It is an exceptional fragrance that is wonderfully wearable.

What is it about this one? I so expected to like it a lot. I have a stable of clean/light daytime colognes that I love Gendarme, ED Artisan, Dypt Figeur, Bulgari The Vert ).

Unfortunately, there is something clawing and sharp in this, almost rudely synthetic. Even so, there is also something beautiful about it I just need it cleansed of that one note.

Experience has shown
That I am not prone
To enjoy a perfume
Full of hedione

Though I really did try
I am sorry, dear Gai,
But 'ere wearing Mattiolo
I would rather go solo.

I don't like fresh-citrus-green fragrances, but this is amazing. the drydown is fresh-green, a little sweet.
very long lasting.